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Road Salt Pond: Anguilla's Natural and Historical Gem

Discover Anguilla's Road Salt Pond: a haven for birdwatchers and history buffs, reflecting the island's salt-producing past and natural beauty.

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Road Salt Pond, also known as Road Bay Pond, is a significant wetland in Anguilla, a relic of the island's salt production past and now an Important Bird Area. Located near Sandy Ground, it offers a glimpse into Anguilla's history and natural beauty.

A brief summary to Road Salt Pond

  • Sandy Ground, AI

Local tips

  • Bring binoculars for optimal birdwatching, especially during migratory seasons.
  • Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best chances to see a variety of bird species.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to Sandy Ground beach for swimming, dining, and nightlife.
  • Explore the remnants of the old saltworks to learn about Anguilla's salt production history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From Sandy Ground beach, the Road Salt Pond is easily accessible on foot. Simply walk along the main road that circles the pond. The pond will be on your right as you head away from the beach. The walk is flat and offers views of the pond and surrounding hills. There is no cost associated with walking.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Anguilla, particularly in popular areas like Sandy Ground. From the Clayton J. Lloyd International Airport (AXA), a taxi to Sandy Ground will cost approximately $26 for two people, plus $5 for each additional passenger and $1 per additional piece of luggage after the first two. From Blowing Point Ferry Terminal, the fare is around $18 for two people. An additional $4 is charged for trips after 6 pm and $10 extra between midnight and 6 am. The taxi will drop you off near Sandy Ground, from where you can easily walk to the pond.

  • Driving

    If you have rented a car, driving to Road Salt Pond is straightforward. From the airport, head west until you reach the Sandy Ground Roundabout. Take the second exit onto the road that leads into Sandy Ground. At the bottom of the hill, continue straight on the road that rings the pond. Parking is available near Sandy Ground beach, though spaces can be limited. Be aware that driving is on the left-hand side of the road. Renting a car requires a temporary Anguillian driver's license, costing $28. Gas prices may be listed in EC dollars, but US dollars are accepted.

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Discover more about Road Salt Pond

Road Salt Pond, also called Road Bay Pond, is a 43-hectare lagoon located in the Sandy Ground area of Anguilla. It's the largest enclosed body of water on the island and has a long history of salt production, dating back to the Arawak Indians. For centuries, it was Anguilla's main source of salt, producing tens of thousands of barrels annually. The remains of saltworks infrastructure can still be seen around the pond's edge, offering a tangible link to the island's past. Today, Road Salt Pond is recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by BirdLife International. It provides a habitat for a variety of bird species, including breeding least terns, Caribbean elaenias, pearly-eyed thrashers, and Lesser Antillean bullfinches. The pond's shallow waters and muddy edges attract numerous migratory waterbirds, with counts sometimes exceeding 1,700 birds. Birdwatchers can spot various species throughout the year, including Anguilla's national bird, the Zenaida dove. The eastern part of the pond, dotted with mangroves, serves as a nesting area for herons and egrets. While parts of the pond have been reclaimed for road construction and parking, it remains a vital ecological site and a reminder of Anguilla's heritage. Visitors can walk along the road that rings the pond, observing the birdlife and the remnants of the salt industry. The pond is easily accessible from Sandy Ground, a lively village known for its beach, restaurants, and nightlife.

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